Method for managing the operating condition of an anti-theft security device for a motor vehicle and device therefor

ABSTRACT

This invention concerns the anti-theft security devices for a motor vehicle, such devices being of the type consisting of portable transmitting means, of a receiving module on board said vehicle and of means controlling a system for interrupting at least one circuit required for operating the vehicle (ignition circuit engine, fuel intake circuit or other . . . ) when the distance between said transmitting means and said receiving means exceeds a certain value.  
     According to this invention, the method for managing the operation of such a device consists, when resetting the affected circuit(s), following an interruption relative to accidental signal loss, in performing this resetting only very gradually.

[0001] This invention concerns a method for managing the operatingconditions of an anti-theft security device for a motor vehicle(automotive vehicle, motorcycle or lorry), such device being of the typecomprising—portable transmitting means,—receiving means on board thevehicle and—means controlling at least one system for interrupting atleast one circuit required for operating said vehicle (engine ignitioncircuit, fuel intake circuit or other . . . ) when the distance betweenthe transmitting means and the receiving means exceeds a certain value.This invention also concerns the anti-theft security device enabling theimplementation of the method.

[0002] It is known by the document EP-0 319 428 a security device forautomotive vehicle, comprising a portable transmitter which transmits ahigh frequency signal (HF), and a fixed receiver adapted forinterrupting automatically the engine ignition circuit of the vehiclewhen the distance between said portable transmitter and said on-boardreceiver exceeds a certain value. Such a system enables to stop themotorisation of the vehicle, particularly in case of theft, as soon assaid vehicle moves away from the carrier of the transmitter.

[0003] The transmitter sends a low power, encoded cyclic signal HF. Whenthis signal is acknowledged and validated by the receiving means, arelay or equivalent closes the engine ignition circuit for itsoperation. When the receiving system no longer receives the transmittedsignal HF, the relay interrupts the ignition circuit to stop themotorisation.

[0004] Time delay means have been provided to maintain the control ofthe relay for a duration greater than the duration between two encodedsequences, in order to avoid any abusive interruption in case oftransients, or more generally in case of accidental signal loss.

[0005] However, if the duration of accidental loss of this signal isgreater than the time delay duration, the ignition circuit isautomatically interrupted by means of the relay and the motorisation ofthe vehicle does not operate any longer. In case when it happens whereasthe vehicle is in use, the driver may have a tendency to control thelever or the accelerator, and when the signal is reset, sudden return toservice of the motorisation may cause said vehicle to becomeincontrollable.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to remedy this shortcoming.

[0007] Thus, according to this invention, one manages the operation ofthe anti-theft security device in order to perform gradual resetting ofthe ignition circuit and/or of another circuit required for operatingthe vehicle, following an interruption of this circuit relative toaccidental signal loss.

[0008] Resetting the corresponding circuit(s) is preferably performedafter a succession of activations and deactivations of the interruptionsystem placed on said circuit(s).

[0009] This succession of activations and of deactivations is carriedout preferably with decreasing durations of deactivation and also withdecreasing durations of activation.

[0010] One thus secures the usage of the anti-theft device since thesimply gradual resetting of the circuit(s) required for the operation ofthe vehicle, following an interruption relative to accidental signalloss, avoid any risk of losing control of the vehicle.

[0011] The anti-theft security device which enables the implementationof this method comprises portable transmitting means, a receiving moduleon board the vehicle and means controlling an interruption system of atleast one circuit required for operating the vehicle (engine ignitioncircuit, fuel intake circuit . . . ), for interrupting this or thesecircuits when the distance between said transmitter and said receiverexceeds a certain value. According to the invention, this device alsocomprises means which, when resetting the corresponding circuit(s),following an interruption relative to accidental signal loss, performthe resetting of this or of these circuits only very gradually.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the interruption system isin the form of a power output interposed on the engine ignition circuitfor interrupting or resetting this circuit in relation to the signal orthe absence of signal supplied by controlling means in the form ofmicroprocessor this microprocessor manages the sending of thecorresponding signal in relation to the pieces of information from thereceiving system.

[0013] The interruption system may also have the form of an electrovalveplaced on the fuel intake circuit.

[0014] According to another characteristic, a power output controlled bythe microprocessor enables to activate the blinking warning lights ofthe vehicle, as well as a sound device such as a “buzzer”.

[0015] Still according to the invention, suitable means enable to sensethe presence of a starter contact, and the corresponding piece ofinformation is transmitted to the microprocessor so that the latter maydifferentiate the operating procedure of the security device in case ofsignal loss, according to the presence or the absence of this startercontact.

[0016] But the invention will also be illustrated, without being limitedthereto, by the following description of a particular embodiment, givensolely for exemplification purposes and represented on the appendeddrawings wherein:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a principle diagram of the portable transmitting meansof the anti-theft security device according to this invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a principle diagram of the receiving means on board thevehicle;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a graph which illustrates the type of signal sent by themicroprocessor to the power output placed on the ignition circuit of themotorisation of the vehicle, for performing only very gradual resettingof the ignition.

[0020] The transmitting means 1 represented on FIG. 1 comprise atransmission module 2, for example high frequency (HF), whereof theoperation is managed by a microprocessor 3 to send to an antenna 4 acyclic and low power encoded signal.

[0021] The transmission module 2 may be a model LQ-TX 433A-Smanufactured by LPRS - Oxon - Great-Britain. The microprocessor 3 withbuilt-in clock, may be a model 2343 with EDPROM, manufactured by ATMEL(Paris, France).

[0022] The different components of the transmitting means 1 areimplanted on a printed circuit and connected together logically. Abattery 5 provides their electric supply and the assembly is placed in aportable case which may be fitted with a system that can be suspendedfrom a pocket or a belt.

[0023] Switching on or off the transmitting means 1 is controlled by anon/off switch 6 arranged on the portable case. This case also comprisesa light indicator 7 of the LED type whereof the activation is managed bythe microprocessor 3.

[0024] The signal sent by the transmitting means 1 carries an encodinggenerated by the microprocessor 3 to secure the operation of the device.On the other hand, this signal is sent cyclically to save the battery 5;for example the transmission is carried out on the frequency of 433 MHz,and so for one second every 2.5 or 3 seconds (the transmission durationand the period are managed by the microprocessor 3).

[0025] One also intends to limit the power of the signal transmitted (afew milliwatts) in order to enable a reception only within a few metreradius.

[0026] The receiving means 8 represented on FIG. 2 are on board thevehicle assembly. They consist of an antenna 10 connected to a receivingmodule 11 associated with a microprocessor 12. This microprocessor 12 isintended to check, by identification of the encoding, that the signalreceived is indeed that from the transmitting means 1 and, in relationto the information received, to manage the activation:

[0027] of a power output 14 (relay or equivalent) placed on the ignitioncircuit 15 of the motorisation of the vehicle, and

[0028] of a power output 16 (relay or equivalent) which controls,simultaneously, a sound alarm 17 in the form of a “buzzer” and aredundant output with non-return diodes 18, 19 to supply the right handside 20 and left hand side 21 blinking beams of the vehicle.

[0029] The microprocessor 12 also takes into account the presence or theabsence of a starter contact of the vehicle to manage the operation ofthe security device. The corresponding information is sent to saiddevice by appropriate sensing means 22 (for example from sensing avoltage on the on/off contactor of the starter).

[0030] The receiving module 11 may be a model RX 5000 manufactured byRFM (USA) and distributed by EQUIPEMENT SCIENTIFIQUE - GARCHE - France.The microprocessor 12 is for example a model 2343 with EDPROMmanufactured by Société ATMEL (Paris, France).

[0031] The different electronic components of the receiving means 8 areimplanted on a printed circuit and connected together logically. Thereceiving module 11 and the microprocessor 12 are power supplied by thebattery 24 of the vehicle.

[0032] Once the receiving means 8 have been implanted correctly on thevehicle assembly (for example a motorcycle), the anti-theft securitydevice operates as described hereunder.

[0033] The transmitting means 1 being deactivated (switch 6 in ‘off’position) the receiving module 11 does not receive the correspondingsignal HF and the microprocessor 12 controls the power output 14 inorder to open the ignition circuit 15 of the vehicle, prohibiting theoperation of the motorisation.

[0034] Putting into service the anti-theft security device is performedby depressing the switch 6 (‘on’ position), the light indicator 7 canthen signal this activation, for example by remaining lit steadily, ofso-called “long” duration, one to two seconds.

[0035] When the user moves closer to his vehicle, the receiving module11 detects the signal HF transmitted by the transmitting means 1 and itsends the information to the microprocessor 12. After identification ofthe signal, the microprocessor 12 closes the ignition circuit 15 whileactuating the power output 14, and triggers the transmission of anidentification message while actuating the blinking warning lights 20,21 and the “buzzer” 17 by means of the power output 16 (for exampletransmission of three ‘brief’ blinking signals accompanied by threesound beeps).

[0036] One can then start the vehicle and use it at will in aconventional fashion.

[0037] When the user stops, kills the engine and moves away from thevehicle, as soon as the receiving module 11 does not receive the signalHF transmitted by the transmitting means 1 any longer, themicroprocessor 12 actuates the power output 14 for interrupting theignition circuit 15. This activation of the anti-starting system issignalled by the blinking warning lights 20, 21 and the “buzzer” 17 (forexample transmission of one ‘brief’ blinking signal accompanied by onesound beep).

[0038] The corresponding activation of the power outputs 14 and 16 maybe performed a certain time delay after the effective loss of the signalHF by the receiving module 11, for example ten seconds later.

[0039] The vehicle then cannot start before the person carrying thetransmitting means 1 returns to the sensing zone of the receiving module11.

[0040] In case of aggression or of theft, with the engine running, whenthe vehicle moves away from the user and the receiving module 11 doesnot receive the signal HF transmitted by the transmitting means 1 anylonger, the microprocessor 12 actuates the power output 14 forinterrupting the ignition circuit 15. This operation then is notaccompanied by any light or sound signal; it may be performed only acertain time delay after losing the reception of the signal HF, forexample ten seconds later.

[0041] The aggressor/thief then cannot start the vehicle any longer andhe has no other solution than leave and run away.

[0042] When the user walks towards his vehicle again, the securitydevice identifies him, deactivates the anti-starting system andtransmits the light and sound recognition signals (for example in theform of three blinking signals accompanied by three sound beeps).

[0043] When he need not use the vehicle any longer, the user deactivatesthe transmitting means HF by depressing the switch 6 (in “off” position)and the anti-starting system is automatically put into service. Thedeactivation of the transmitting means 1 can be accompanied by a controlsignal of the light indicator 7 (for example a ‘short’ steady light ofthe order of a few tenths of a second).

[0044] The use of transmitting/receiving means involves the risk ofabusive activation of the anti-starting system in case of accidentalloss of the signal (presence of transients or others . . . ). Then, thetemporary interruption or the successive interruptions of the ignitioncircuit disturb the correct operation of the vehicle in motion.

[0045] To limit this risk, the microprocessor 12 integrates a time delaywhich, following a validation of the signal received by the receivingmodule 11, enables to maintain the power output 14 in the closedposition of the ignition circuit 15 for a duration encompassing at leasta full period of the cyclic signal HF.

[0046] In case when the accidental loss of the signal exceeds theduration of this time delay, the ignition circuit is automaticallyinterrupted; the security device integrates means which then enable,when the receiving module 11 receives suitably again the signaltransmitted, to reset the ignition circuit 15 only very gradually.

[0047] Gradually resuming of the ignition is managed by themicroprocessor 12 whereof the signal then sent to the power output 14 isof discontinuous type, before finding a continuous charactercorresponding to a standardised operation of the security device and ofthe motorisation of the vehicle. This particular control management ofthe power output 14 enables to avoid all the risks of losing control ofthe vehicle which would be associated with sudden resetting of theignition circuit.

[0048] The management of the signal sent in this particular case by themicroprocessor 12 to the power output 14 is illustrated on FIG. 3.

[0049] On this figure, it can be noticed a first period 25 of “normal”operation during which the microprocessor 12 controls the power output14 to close the ignition circuit 15 by sending a 5-volt electric signal,followed with a period 26 during which the microprocessor 12 does notsend the electric signal corresponding to the power output 14 anylonger, because for example of a reception problem of the signal HF sentby the transmitting means 1.

[0050] When the reception of the signal HF is restored, themicroprocessor 12 sends a discontinuous signal to the power output 14for a certain time period 27, before going back to addressing acontinuous signal (repeated period 28).

[0051] The discontinuous signal during the period 27 corresponds to asuccession of activations and of deactivations of the power output 14.For regular gradual resetting of the ignition of the engine, thedurations of successive activations X, X′, X″ are decreasing, just likethe durations of intermediate deactivations Y, Y′, Y″ (For example X=0.5s, Y=0.4 s, X′=0.3 s, Y′=0.2 s, X″=0.1 s, Y″=0.1 s).

[0052] The microprocessor 12 can similarly manage the interruption ofthe fuel intake circuit, or the interruption of any other circuitrequired for operating the vehicle, on the basis of the informationsupplied by the transmitting/receiving means. This management on anothercircuit than the ignition circuit 15 may be performed in addition to orin replacement of actuating said ignition circuit 15.

[0053] On FIG. 2, one has illustrated a principle of simultaneousmanagement of the interruption of the ignition circuit 15 and of thefuel intake circuit 15′ (represented as a dotted line); the interruptionsystem 14′ of the fuel intake circuit 15′ can be in the form of anelectrovalve-like module, placed on the corresponding circuit.

[0054] It should also be noted that the microprocessor 12 can alsomanage one or several additional power outputs 30, intended for examplefor actuating or deactivating the starting function of the vehicle, oreven for an automotive vehicle, intended for controlling theinterlocking of the doors, the rolling up of the windows, or other . . .

1. A method for managing the operation of an anti-theft security devicefor a motor vehicle, which device consists of portable transmittingmeans (1), of a receiving module (11) on board said vehicle and of meanscontrolling (12) a system (14, 14′) for interrupting at least onecircuit (15, 15′) required for operating the vehicle, when the distancebetween said transmitting means (1) and said receiving module (11)exceeds a certain value, characterised in that it consists, whenresetting said circuit (15, 15′) following an interruption relative toaccidental signal loss, in performing said resetting only verygradually:
 2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that itconsists in performing the resetting of the circuit (15, 15′) requiredfor operating the vehicle, after a succession of activations and ofdeactivations of the interruption system (14, 14′).
 3. A methodaccording to claim 2, characterised in that it consists in performingthe resetting of the circuit (15, 15′) after a succession of activationsand of deactivations of the interruption system (14, 14′), withdecreasing durations of deactivations.
 4. A method according to claim 3,characterised in that it consists in performing the resetting of thecircuit (15, 15′) after a succession of activations and of deactivationsof the interruption system (14, 14′), with decreasing durations ofactivations.
 5. An anti-theft security device for the implementation ofthe method according to any of the claims 1 to 4, which device consistsof portable transmitting means (1), of a receiving module (11) on boardsaid vehicle and of means controlling (12) an interruption system (14,14′) of at least one circuit (15, 15′) required for operating thevehicle, for interrupting said circuit (15, 15′) when the distancebetween said transmitter (1) and said receiver (11) exceeds a certainvalue, characterised in that it comprises means which, when resettingsaid circuit(s) (15, 15′) following an interruption relative toaccidental signal loss, perform the gradual resetting of this or ofthese circuits (15, 15′).
 6. A security device according to claim 5,characterised in that it comprises an interruption device (14) in theform of a power output interposed on said ignition circuit (15) of theengine for interrupting or resetting this circuit in relation to thesignal or of the absence of a signal supplied by controlling means inthe form of a microprocessor (12), which microprocessor (12) manages thesending of this signal in relation to the information received from thereceiving module (11).
 7. A security device according to any of theclaims 5 or 6, characterised in that it comprises an interruption device(14′) in the form of an electrovalve placed on the fuel intake circuit(15′) for interrupting or resetting this circuit in relation to thesignal or of the absence of a signal supplied by controlling means inthe form of a microprocessor (12), which microprocessor (12) manages thesending of this signal in relation to the information received from thereceiving module (11).
 8. A security device according to any of theclaims 6 or 7, characterised in that it comprises a power output (16)controlled by the microprocessor (12), enabling activation of theblinking warning lights (20, 21) of the vehicle, and activation of asound device (17) such as a “buzzer”.
 9. A security device according toany of the claims 6 to 8, characterised in that it comprises means (22)which enable to sense the presence of a starter contact, thecorresponding information being transmitted to the microprocessor (12)to differentiate the operating procedure in case of signal loss, inrelation to the presence or the absence of said starter contact.
 10. Asecurity device according to any of the claims 6 to 9, characterised inthat it comprises at least one additional power output (30) controlledby the microprocessor (12) to activate or deactivate complementarysecurity functions.
 11. A security device according to any of the claims6 to 10, characterised in that it comprises transmitting means (1) inthe form of a portable case integrating—a module (2) for transmitting alow power encoded cyclic signal,—means in the form of a microprocessor(3) performing the management of the signal transmitted by thetransmitting module (2), notably in terms of encoding and in terms ofcyclic sending,—a supply battery (5),—an on/off switch (6) and—a controllight indicator (7).